Garmin Connext links tablet computers with Garmin avionics

Garmin has created a wireless bridge that allows tablet computers running the Garmin Pilot app to share information with the company’s most popular panel-mount avionics.

A Bluetooth wireless gateway known as Flight Stream 110 pairs with the GDL 69/69A or the GDL 88 to share traffic, weather, GPS, and SiriusXM audio controls with multiple mobile devices.

Another wireless gateway known as Flight Stream 210 allows two-way transfer of flight plans between Garmin panel-mount avionics and up to four mobile devices.

Flight Stream 210 communicates with a GDL 88 as well as the GTN 750, or GNS 430/530 WAAS units. Garmin’s new G3X “Touch” for Experimental aircraft has a built-in wireless gateway. Flight Stream 110 has a retail price of $549, and Flight Stream 210 has a retail price of $999.

The new products and features are part of Garmin’s “Connext” program, an ongoing effort to link the company’s panel-mount avionics with tablet computers (both iOS and Android) running the Garmin Pilot app.

In other Garmin developments, the company announced a software upgrade to the GTN 750/650 that shortens radio frequency changes and flight plan updates; and lets pilots load flight plans and custom checklists from SD cards, and pre-load database updates.

WireAware, a feature designed for helicopter operators, is designed to show the location of power lines on GTN units.